Middle Eastern Studies Program
From the Program Director, Dr. Dina Le Gall
Drawing on faculty from a number of departments, the Interdisciplinary Program in Middle Eastern Studies seeks to provide students with an introduction to an area of the world that is as historically and culturally rich as it is critical to today’s geopolitics. The double purpose is to introduce students to a variety of topics and issues in the history, politics, languages, societies, and cultures of the Middle East and to give them the opportunity to study the Middle East using the tools of diverse disciplines. We define the Middle East broadly to include the whole area from North Africa to Afghanistan.
The program is offered as a minor field that complements a wide array of majors. It is particularly valuable for students who wish to combine an interest in the Middle East with majors such as History, Anthropology, Sociology, Political Science, or Languages and Literatures in preparation for graduate work in Middle Eastern Studies or for professional careers in education, business, media, government, human rights, diplomacy, and law, among others.
Learning Goals and Objectives
Field Competency: Students will gain an introduction to the Middle East and develop a grasp of central issues in the history, politics, literatures and/or societies of the region. They will approach the Middle East from at least two disciplinary perspectives, including anthropology, history, literature, or political science.
Analytical Skills: Students will hone their reading and analytical skills, and will know how to access information and how to summarize and evaluate scholarly arguments and media opinions based on evidence.
Writing Skills: Students will be able to produce well-argued and carefully supported written assignments in which they synthesize information from different sources, advance and sustain arguments, use citations according to accepted academic standards, and avoid plagiarism.
Cultural/Political Awareness: Students will be aware of the diversity of Middle Eastern societies, will learn to approach these societies with empathy, and will be able to participate productively and dispassionately in discussions of complex and contested issues.
Upcoming Events
August 30, 2024 - August 30, 2024
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Auditions: In The Bronx Brown Girls Can See Stars Too
Auditions for In The Bronx Brown Girls Can See Stars Too (or The F*ck Is You Lookin’ At?)* by Amalia Oliva Rojas, directed by guest artist Marina Montesanti A new play by Lehman College alumna and playwright, Amalia Oliva Rojas
August 30, 2024 - August 30, 2024
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Auditions for Dance in Dialog Friday, August 30th at 5:00 in M18 With choreographers Edgard Toro (Xavier Fontanet) and Madelyn Sher
September 30, 2024 - September 30, 2024
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Art Education, M.A. Information Session
Hope you will join us for this session!
October 2, 2024 - October 2, 2024
6:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Spanish Literature, M.A. Information Session
Hope you will join us for this session.
October 23, 2024 - October 25, 2024
4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
The Dance Program at Lehman presents Dance in Dialog
Dance in Dialog Choreography by Lehman Alumni Choreography fellows Madelyn Sher and Edgard Toro (Xavier Fontanet) followed by a conversation with the choreographers.
October 23, 2024 - October 24, 2024
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
English, M.A. Information Session
Hope you will join us for this session!
